Rotating Reflector Distance Measurement Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distance measurement technologies using light are complex and require multiple optical elements, making them cumbersome for scanning 3D spaces effectively.
Innovation Solution
A distance measurement apparatus with a tilting base and a rotating reflector that simplifies optical elements by using a single reflector to scan 3D spaces, allowing for accurate distance measurement using a triangulation method.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple optical elements are used for distance measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical functions (light transmission, reflection, and reception) into a single integrated optical path using a reflector positioned at a 45-degree angle. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate optical elements while maintaining measurement precision through the triangulation method.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector serves multiple functions simultaneously: it redirects light from the transmitter to the object, guides the reflected light to the receiver, and enables the single optical element configuration to perform what traditionally required multiple separate components. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by maintaining precision with reduced complexity.
2Device complexity
If a single reflector is used to simplify optical elements, then device complexity is reduced, but detection scope is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic movement of the reflector (rotation or tilting) to expand the detection scope. By making the reflector movable rather than static, the system can scan multiple angles and directions, allowing a single reflector to cover a wide 3D space while maintaining simplicity in the optical element configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds temporal and angular dimensions to the system by implementing rotating or tilting mechanisms. This transforms a static single-reflector setup into a dynamic scanning system that covers 3D space, effectively expanding detection scope without adding multiple fixed optical elements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the base is tilted and reflector is slanted for 3D scanning, then detection scope is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms through the triangulation measurement system, which continuously monitors and calculates distance based on the angular position of the reflector. This feedback allows the system to compensate for manufacturing tolerances in the base tilting and reflector slanting, maintaining accurate 3D scanning without requiring extremely tight manufacturing precision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient scanning of 3D spaces with increased detection scope and accuracy by simplifying optical elements, allowing for precise detection of objects and measurement of distances using a single reflector.
Implementation Method 1
a rotating reflector configured to reflect the light emitted from the light transmitter to an object and to reflect the light reflected or dispersed from the object to the light receiver
Implementation Method 2
a light receiver including a photo-detector formed with a spot of the light (optical spot)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus for measuring a distance, the apparatus including a tilting base mounted with a light transmitter configured to transmit a light and a light receiver including a photo-detector formed with a spot of the light (optical spot), and a rotating reflector configured to reflect the light emitted from the light transmitter to an object and to reflect the light reflected or dispersed from the object to the light receiver.